For many pregnant women, sleep is impacted by a growing belly, pressure on the diaphragm, increased urinary frequency, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or restless legs syndrome (RLS). As pregnancy progresses and the size of the uterus increases, many pregnant women find it harder to get comfortable in bed.

It’s important to prioritize sleep during pregnancy to avoid possible complications like high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, longer labors and a higher rate of cesarean section. Stress reduction techniques, sleep position and diet may help ease sleep abnormalities during pregnancy and aid in delivery of a healthy baby.